The Department of Transportation has selected Peraton, a national security and IT company, to oversee critical upgrades to the U.S. air traffic control system. The move comes after recent system failures and outages highlighted the urgent need to modernize aging radar, software, hardware, and telecommunications infrastructure to improve safety and reduce delays.
Peraton was chosen for its expertise in integrating complex technology platforms and its experience working with multiple U.S. government agencies and military branches. The company will lead the effort to modernize the system under a three-year timeline set by the DOT. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized the goal of delivering a state-of-the-art air traffic control system for both travelers and air traffic controllers.
The modernization effort is backed by a $105 billion bipartisan aviation bill signed in May 2024, which allocates funding to improve airport infrastructure, enhance aviation safety, and upgrade FAA technologies. Within that, $12.5 billion has been earmarked specifically to jumpstart the air traffic control system upgrades. DOT officials have called this initial funding a “down payment,” noting that an additional $20 billion may be required to complete the long-term modernization.
Peraton will immediately begin work transitioning the remaining copper infrastructure, establishing a new digital command center, and preparing for the installation of new radar systems and next-generation air traffic control facilities. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford described the effort as a long-term investment to ensure the system operates safely and efficiently.
Steve Schorer, Peraton’s CEO, called the contract a “historic opportunity” to transform America’s air traffic control system, modernizing the national airspace and ensuring it remains among the safest and most advanced in the world. The DOT aims to have the new system fully operational by 2028, with Peraton providing centralized leadership to keep the project on track and on schedule.